IRSC Child Development Center

DCF License# C19SL0024

ABOUT OUR CENTER

A NURTURING environment that fosters CREATIVITY and DEVELOPMENT.

The Center’s population is comprised of children who meet the entry qualifications and have attained the age of 3 months, 1, 2, 3, or 4-years-old by September 1 of the current school year. The Center will strive to maintain a balance of 3 young infants, five 1-year-olds, ten 2-year olds, fifteen 3-year-olds and eighteen 4-year-olds in each class.

LOCATION

PROGRAMS

Infants and Toddlers — Ages 3 months to 3 yearsThe Infant and Toddler Program serves our youngest students. The curriculum, the toys, the daily schedule, the food as well as all aspects of your child’s environment is planned to provide the best opportunities for maximum, growth for your child.

Preschool —The Preschool program provides care and education for children who are 3 or 4 by September 1of the school year, and are toilet trained and able to work well in a preschool group setting of 15-20 children. The children are introduced to a balanced program of interaction with friends in both teacher-directed and child directed experiences. The daily schedule includes free choice of time spent in the learning centers, group times for creative movement, music, storytelling and dramatization. Field trips and on-site presentations are also part of the experiences provided for the children. Our program is child-centered and based upon the belief that play is the best way for children to learn. Each classroom is organized with areas for creative art, dramatic play, blocks, literacy, cognitive and small motor development. The environment is planned to stimulate imagination and creativity, socialization, exploration and discovery.

Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program (VPK) —Children participating in the Florida Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program are required to attend on a daily basis from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. At the end of each month, VPK parents must complete a Parent Attendance Verification form. If a student is absent from the VPK program for five consecutive instructional days, the student is considered withdrawn from the program unless written documentation is provided by the parent or guardian describing the circumstances.

ENROLLMENT

To apply for admission please submit a completed Request for Enrollment Application to the IRSC Child Development Center Office. Once the completed application is received the child or children will be placed on the waiting list.

The wait list is usually long (especially for the Infant-Toddler Program); therefore, it is important to apply as early as possible. The average wait time for enrollment depends upon present class enrollment, the parent’s classification (student, faculty/staff, or community), the age of the child or due date and the date the application is received.

A $75 dollar non-refundable enrollment fee is charged upon acceptance to the program.

TUITION

IRSC Child Development Center offers options for the hours of daily care you are seeking for your child.

The “school day” is from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and is covered by regular tuition.

We offer “before care” from 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and is an additional $10 per week.

We also offer “after care” from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. for an additional charge of $20 per week.

Tuition covers ordinary operating expenses in the Center, including food and education materials provided for the child and staff salaries. Tuition is expected for ALL days of operation. You are not charged for the days that the College is officially closed.

Tuition may be paid weekly or monthly. Monthly tuition is due on the first day of the month. Weekly tuition is due on the first day of the school week. If payment has not been received by close of business the first day, the account will be forwarded to the business office on the following business day. No child will be accepted if tuition is not up to date. Payment of tuition can be taken at the Child Development Center on Mondays or the first day of the month. Otherwise, payment should be made to the business office in W building.

HOURS

The Center will be open from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday during Fall and Spring semesters, following the IRSC faculty calendar for holidays. Children may arrive as early as 7:30 a.m. and we ask that children are in the center ready to start the day by 8:30 a.m. Classroom instruction occurs between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. There is no provision for pick-up after 5:30 p.m. All holidays observed by IRSC will be observed by the Center.

STAFF

The IRSC Child Development Center is under the direction of the Center Director and is staffed with trained early childhood instructors. The staff ratio follows Children & Families directives and staff hold degrees and/or certifications as required by the Florida Department of Education and the Department of Children and Families. Additionally, staff is required to participate in annual educational re-training.

IRSC student interns will be working with the Center as part of their internship. Other Early Childhood Education program students will be involved in observation and participation as required by course objectives. Work study students will be utilized as available and according to their capabilities in the Center operation.

The IRSC Child Development Center is operated to meet the requirements of the Child Care Guidance, Services and Management program as specified by the Vocational Division, Florida State Department of Education. The school meets all state and local regulations concerning the operation of a child care facility and serves as a model for child care centers.